Teaching with sudoku

81 boxes to fill with numbers from 1 to 9. The essential rule is that each number can only appear once in the same column and row. This is the basic principle of Sudoku, a classic game to pass the time. Notebooks have been printed with multiple grids, it often features in the "Games" section of newspapers, and dozens of digital versions exist. Developed by an American (despite the Japanese-sounding name) in 1979, it has become as much a traditional pastime as crossword puzzles or word searches. Nevertheless, it's just the umpteenth adaptation of the magic square, a game whose traces can be found as far back as ancient China.

This game is not as innocent as it seems. As this Wikipedia page reminds us, it involves a whole series of mathematical concepts required to solve a grid. The average player may not realize it, but by playing it, he or she is solving a complete non-deterministic polynomial (NPC) problem every time. If he plays a version where numbers are replaced by colors, it becomes a graph-coloring problem. As a result, Sudoku can enter the classroom without a blush.

Doing it with children

When the Villani report was published in 2018, it showed a "catastrophic" level in mathematics. At the time, the document proposed using games as a method of learning the subject. Sudoku was one of the potential playful solutions. After all, why not? This game is known to have many virtues that children could benefit from:

• Development of logic
• Improves problem-solving skills
• Increases powers of concentration and memorization
  
• Develops a sense of perseverance

Many suggest that this type of game should be played at an early age. Obviously, starting with normal grids is a little too demanding. It's better to use adapted solutions, such as grids of 9 squares with 1, 2 and 3. You can then increase the difficulty by adding rows and columns as your child becomes more comfortable. In fact, there are even adaptable physical grids on the market. For toddlers who don't yet have a grasp of numbers, animals or colors can also be used. The idea is to progressively integrate the grids up to those considered easy. Thereafter, the difficulty can be increased with the age and ease of the child.

Use in the classroom

Sudoku can be used by teachers in the classroom. As the game is closely linked to mathematics, it seems obvious that sudoku can be used as a starting point to introduce mathematical principles, or simply to test students' logic. However, this should not be restricted. Using the game as a free activity can be a good idea, so that learners can practice their problem-solving skills. Like a reading corner, there could be sudokus to solve during the week or month.

All the more so as it's possible to play on grids in a variety of ways, whether on a classic or digital blackboard, numbers on a magnetized surface, printed grids or multiple sites offering free grids to complete of varying levels of difficulty. In 2018, a small program (in English) was even created in Canada that was based from start to finish on solving sudokus. The idea was to develop in learners a spirit of perseverance and problem-solving by solving grids of varying difficulty in seven lessons offered, and then the teacher continues to encourage this spirit by providing further grids with corrections, engaging youngsters in exchanging solving strategies with each other, and so on.

If sudokus start to bore the class, there are other types of games like binero (also known as takuzu) or sangaku that involve thinking and mathematics. Here too, the idea is to use these games progressively as direct teaching material or didactic and playful activity in the classroom.

Photo: NewAfrica / DepositPhotos

References:

"5 different ways teachers use sudoku in classrooms." Sudoku Conquest. Last updated: September 24, 2023. https://www.sudokuconquest.com/blog/5-different-ways-teachers-use-sudoku-in-classrooms.

"How to teach kids sudoku and why it matters." Extremely Good Parenting. Last updated May 15, 2018. https://karacarrero.com/teach-sudoku-to-kids/.

Ken, Larry. "Sudoku for kids: boosting logic and fun learning." Medium. Last updated July 7, 2023. https://medium.com/@larry.ken/sudoku-for-kids-boosting-logic-and-fun-learning-555a5f2f9ec7.

Mathieu, Thibauld. "Mathématiques: et si le secret, c'est de jouer?" Europe 1. Last updated: February 12, 2018. https://www.europe1.fr/societe/mathematiques-et-si-le-secret-cetait-de-jouer-3572543.

Parat, Antoine. "Sudoku: a perfect mental activity for rnfants." GoStudent. Last updated: December 22, 2021. https://insights.gostudent.org/fr/sudoku-pour-enfants.

"Sudoku, Kakuro, Binero... and math!" Pierre Carrée. Last updated: August 24, 2023. https://clairelommeblog.fr/2023/08/24/sudoku-kakuro-binero-et-maths/.

"A little sudoku?" Pierre Carrée. Last updated: July 14, 2023. https://clairelommeblog.fr/2023/07/14/un-ptit-sudoku/.

"Use sudoku to teach growth mindset and character building." Educircles.org. Last updated: June 26, 2020. https://educircles.org/2018/08/22/use-sudoku-to-teach-growth-mindset-and-character-building/.